Welcome New Swimmers to the 2026 Season

Overview

If this is your first experience with a swim team, you may not be aware of what is involved.  So here are a few things of which to be aware:

Example Practice Schedule (refer to email correspondence for actual dates...this is provided as just a sample of past year's schedules)

• When school (and high school swim season) is in session, practice occurs at 6:00pm on Mondays through Thursdays.

• When high school swim season is finished, practice occurs Mondays through Thursdays from:

  • 4:30-6pm  for groups  4 and 5

  • 6:00-7:00pm for groups 1 and 2

  • 6:00-7:15pm for group 3 

• When school is no longer in session, practice occurs at 

  • 8:00-9:30am for group 5 on Mondays through Thursdays;   4:30-6:00pm on Fridays

  • 4:30-6:00pm for group 4 on Mondays through Fridays

  • 6:00-7:00pm for groups 1 and 2 on Mondays through Fridays

  • 6:00-7:15pm for group 3 on Mondays through Fridays  

Meets

• Swim meets occur on Saturdays.  Start times are typically 9:00am so swimmers must be at the pool by 7:00am.  Swimmers must check-in with their Coordinator upon arrival.  End times for meets vary but are usually done before noon.

• Most meets are against a single team, but there could be some meets against two teams.

• Bring plenty of sun screen, water, healthy snacks, and items for swimmers to entertain themselves (toys, games, books).

• Swimmers should not leave their age-group tent area without informing their Coordinator.

• Bring cash to buy meals, snacks and beverages at the snack bar.

• Cheer and encourage your swimmer(s) and others on the team.

• Support your team by purchasing and wearing Newark Bluefin apparel.

Special Events 

• Mandatory Parent Meeting is where the Board of Directors introduce themselves and inform parents of important information for the season.  It is a great way to meet parents; learn about the team and your role within it, and ask any questions that you may have.

• Swim-a-thon is our big fundraiser for the season.  Each swimmer solicits friends and family for donations to our non-profit organization.

• Time Trials is where each swimmer swims all four strokes to establish a baseline.  Throughout the season, each swimmer's goal should be to improve his/her/their times.

• Movie Night is where the team and families enjoy watching a movie while in the pool and on deck.

• Team Party is sometime around our last swim meet of the season.  Awards and recognition are given to swimmers.  Then food is served  - both via catering as well as via potluck-style.  The remainder of the afternoon is spent playing in the pool and socializing.

• Champs is where the top 100 swimmers (by coach invitation) from each EBSL team compete against one another to determine overall winning team.

Next Steps